People will be able to cast their votes in this year’s borough and general elections at a pub.

A polling station will be set up at the Jenny Wren in Staplehurst Road, Sittingbourne, on May 7.

Originally a new community centre next to Emerald Crescent/Quart Way, Sonora Fields, was to have been used, but planning permission was only granted last Thursday and it is unlikely to be built in time.

Prospective Conservative councillor James Hunt suggested using the pub following the decision to make The Meads a new Swale electoral ward.

He said: “I’m really pleased that Swale Council have listened to my recommendations of venues and have arranged for the Jenny Wren to be used as a polling station for The Meads.

“I feel it’s important that residents are able to vote in the ward they live in and not for them to have to travel outside their area.”

Chief executive and returning officer for Swale council Abdool Kara said: “We are pleased the Jenny Wren pub has agreed to the use of its premises as a polling station for our forthcoming elections.

“In the medium term our plan is to use the new local community centre, but it won’t be ready in time for this May’s elections.

“Meanwhile, the Jenny Wren, with its large car park, is also in an excellent position for that part of Sittingbourne, and they have generously offered to let us use a section of the pub.”